EOI-P1 - School Bus Maintenance and Disposal

School buses shall be maintained according to the directions set out in the Highway Traffic Act and the Public Schools Act, and more specifically as follows:

“Each school bus registered under The Highway Traffic Act in the name of a school board, and each school bus that is under contract with a school board, shall conform to standards and specifications as follows:

Canadian Standards Association - Standards for School Buses, as amended from time to time, are hereby adopted and constituted as part of this regulation;

Each school bus shall comply with the Canadian Standards Association school bus standards in effect for the model year of the school bus and, in addition, shall be equipped with:

1. A stop arm installed on the left side of the bus, and the stop arm and installation shall meet or exceed the requirements of SAE Standard  J1133a  Stop  Arm;  and

2. Two alternately flashing red lamps and two alternately flashing yellow lamps on the front and on the rear.  The lamps shall be controlled by a manually activated switch and shall meet or exceed the specific and general requirements of SAW Standard J887 May 82 School Bus Warning Lamps;

No school bus shall have exposed sharp edges that may cause injury to passengers;

No school bus shall contain, or have affixed to any part, glass that does not meet existing Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for vehicle glass;

No school bus shall be equipped with retread tires on the front axle;

No school bus shall be equipped with jump seats or portable seats; 

Each school bus, and all school bus equipment, shall be maintained in accordance with original equipment manufacturer’s recommended procedures as set out in published repair and maintenance manuals and shall be kept clean at all times, and is at all times subject to inspection as hereinafter provided;

Each school bus used to transport pupils in wheelchairs shall be equipped with a securely fastened wheelchair retaining device for each wheelchair, and

1. In the case of a  school bus manufactured before 1985, the retaining device shall be equivalent to the Collins pin lock system, and

2. In the case of a school bus manufactured in 1985 or later, the retaining device shall be equivalent to the requirements of CSA Standard D409-M84 (forward facing wheelchairs, 4 point tie-down system);

"No school bus, while transporting pupils, shall be used to carry any animal, firearm, explosive, flammable liquid, or anything of a dangerous or objectionable nature, or any article likely to endanger the safety of the passengers.”  (M.R. 465/88-4 (k))

Disposal of Used School Buses

Older units not deemed necessary for regular bus duty will be sold by public tender or public auction.

Newer buses will be offered to other school divisions by tender.  The insured value, mileage and general conditions of the unit will be considered as a guideline regarding price.  The highest or any tender may not necessarily be accepted. (PSA 67)  (See also DM)

Revised August 19, 2025